The Miami Dolphins have not made the playoffs since 2001, when they ended up losing to the Ravens in the Wild Card match-up. It was no different for the Dolphins this year, but there are many things to look forward to in the coming months.
The Dolphins seem to have found their QB of the future in Ryan Tannehill. He may not be Andrew Luck or RGIII (both of whom lost their games on Sunday, eliminating them from the playoffs), but he is a consistent presence in the Dolphin’s offense. He makes wise choices and can use his feet to his advantage, which is more than other quarterbacks in the Dolphin’s recent QB history have done. Tannehill finished this season with 3,294 total yards, 12 TDs, 13 interceptions, and a passer rating of 76.1. While these numbers are not anywhere close to the elite level of a Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, Tannehill managed to produce decent numbers that helped the Dolphins win 7 games.
The Dolphin’s defense had a spectacular year and can only look to improve next year. They finished their season ranking 12th in total defense and allowed an average of 19.8 points per game. Cameron Wake, the Dolphin’s DE, was selected to go to the Pro Bowl this year due to his ability to pressure the QB. He finished the season with 15 sacks, 38 solo tackles, and 15 assisted tackles. Wake finished fourth in the NFL in sacks, behind J.J. Watt, Aldon Smith and Von Miller.
The Dolphins may have also found a new deep threat this season in Marcus Thigpen, if they choose to utilize him as a WR next season. This season he was considered a RB, but mainly functioned as a punt and kick returner. He finished the season ranked 6th amongst kick returners with 38 returns for 1,040 yards. The Dolphins need to work Thigpen into plays that take advantage of his speed and let him work down the field to stretch defenses. Giving Tannehill a legitimate deep threat will also help to open up the running game.
In the end, no, the Dolphins did not make the playoffs, but look forward to the draft and the signing of a stable WR that will surely make the Dolphins a contender for next season.
